Benni McCarthy had to remind his Cape Town City player of the African ambitions before they claimed the spot in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.
City rode their luck in the first half of Friday’s meeting with Highlands Park before a 12-minute second-half blitz handed them a 3-0 win.
Owen da Gama’s team hit the crossbar and goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh had to make a great save before Benni tongue-lashed his team at half time.
Then on the hour-mark skipper, Thami Mkhize blasted home after some good work from Siphelele Mthembu.
Craig Martin smashed a brilliant half volley from the edge of the box in the 71st minute to make it 2-0 before a clanger by Park’s goalkeeper Marlon Heugh saw him fail to control a back-pass and swatch the ball roll into his own goal.
SWEET OPENER: Skipper Thami Mkhize of Cape Town City. Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
Benni says his manne needed some waking up at half time to get into gear as they chase the trophy and a chance to play Caf Confederations Cup next season with the Nedbank Cup around their belt.
He says: “[It was] not the greatest first half. We were slow off the mark and off the pace. We allowed them to come into the game. They hit the crossbar.
“It took until half time for the players to realise what was happening.
“At half time, they needed to hear what opportunities this competition offers and it was there for the taking.
“The second half performance was what I was expecting from my team. But rather late than never.”